Coach Andy Flower opted for a second spinner after inspecting the pitch at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium before play.

It was a gamble given it meant England used two spinners in a four-man attack for the first time since December 2003 in Sri Lanka.

But it paid off as Pakistan finished the day on 256 for seven, a below-par score on a flat pitch which has failed to produce a positive result in its only two previous matches.

Paceman Stuart Broad was the stand-out bowler, a superb display earning him three for 47.

Panesar, in for Chris Tremlett after the seamerâs tour was ended by a back injury, also grabbed a wicket in his first Test since 2009, although Graeme Swann offered the greater threat, taking three wickets.

Still, following the ten-wicket humiliation in Dubai, Flower will be pleased his team took the initiative on the opening day.

Panesar was delighted to return to the side, although he only found out 20 minutes before the start of play.

He said: âItâs probably good I didnât find out earlier as I would have been awake all night practising my action in front of the mirror! Sometimes it can be a bit nerve-wracking but they were waiting to see what the conditions were like.

âIt was nice I got a game and weâve had a good day as well.â

On his absence, the 29-year-old added: âWhen youâre out of the team you can get frustrated and Mushy [spin coach Mushtaq Ahmed] kept that self-belief going.

âThere are times when self-doubt does creep in and you think, âIs it ever going to happen?â Youâre notÂ human if you donât get that when youâre out of the England team.

âI just kept on going and waited for an opportunity, and today I got one.â